We very pleased to bring you a special episode of Let?s Argue About Plants today, featuring an interview with Douglas Tallamy, PhD. Several months ago, Christine Alexander, digital content manager for FineGardening.com, sat down with the famed professor of entomology and wildlife ecology at the University of Delaware to discuss how plants can save our planet. Tallamy has spent his life?s work researching the impact of nonnative plant species on the environment with his fieldwork playing a critical role in solving the mystery of the plummeting insect and bird populations seen over the past 50 years. Despite the seemingly larger-than-life problems we face, Tallamy insists there are ways average gardeners can help save our ecosystems. Within the interview we get answers to the questions gardeners want to know like, ?Should we be planting only native plants?? And ?What are keystone species and why should I be filling my landscape with them?? Tallamy?s message is sometimes misconstrued, especially when it comes to a gardener?s role in the climate crisis. We hope this interview sheds some light and hope on actions steps we can all take to help nature. As Tallamy says, ?we?re its last hope.?

This interview was edited for length and clarity. For further reading, check out Douglas Tallamy?s most recent books, The Nature of Oaks (2021) and Nature?s Best Hope (2020).

Keystone Plants:

Goldenrod (Solidago spp., Zones 3?9) Aster (Aster spp., Eurybia spp., Symphyotrichum spp.,
Zones 4?9) Sunflower (Helianthus spp., Zones 3?9) Oak (Quercus spp., Zones 2?9) Cherry (Prunus spp., Zones 3?8) Birch (Betula spp., Zones 3?9) Cottonwood (Populus spp., Zones 2?9) Elm (Ulmus americana, Zones 3 to 9) Willow (Salix spp., Zones 4-10)

What?s not to love about sedums? They?re drought-tolerant, they attract pollinators, and they flower later in the season when not much else is going on in the garden. But they also have their drawbacks?namely a proclivity to splay open (we?re looking at you Autumn Joy) and look rather awful in some cases. But rest assured that today we?re talking about sedums that maintain a compact habit (whether they?re an upright or ground cover type), still sport gorgeous flowers, and thrive in terrible conditions. If you have full sun, lean soil, and hate plants than need a lot of pampering, then this episode is for you. 

Expert testimony: Sandy McDougle is the founder and owner of Sandy?s Plants in in Mechanicsville, Virginia.

 

Danielle?s Plants

'Boogie Woogie' sedum (Sedum ?Boogie Woogie?, Zones 3-9) 

'Night Light' sedum (Sedum 'Night Light', Zones 3-9) 

'Plum Dazzled' sedum (Sedum rupestre ?Plum Dazzled?, Zones 4-9) 

?Carl? sedum (Hylotelephium telephium ?Carl?, Zones 3-9) 

 

Carol?s Plants

?Matrona? sedum (Hylotelephium telephium 'Matrona', Zones 3-9)

?Blue Spruce? creeping sedum (Sedum reflexum ?Blue Spruce?, Zones 4?9)

Dragon?s blood sedum (Sedum spurium 'Schorbuser Blut', Zones 4-9)

?Angelina? sedum (Sedum rupestre ?Angelina?, Zones 5?9)

 

Expert?s Plants

?Dazzleberry? sedum (Sedum ?Dazzleberry?, Zones 4-9)

Goldmoss sedum (Sedum acre, Zones 4-9)

Chinese sedum (Sedum tetractinum, Zones 4-8)

?Weihenstephaner?s Gold? sedum (Sedum kamtschaticum var. floriferum ?Weihenstephaner?s Gold?, Zones 3-8)

What gardener doesn?t like something a bit out-of-the ordinary, right? Especially when it?s a plant that puts on a serious show as the final curtain call is happening. Today we highlight some of our favorite unusual fall perennials, options that are interesting cultivars of a genus you may know, and weird oddballs you?ve likely never heard of. Just a heads up that we may have cheated a teeny, tiny bit and thrown in a shrub or even a tender perennial to keep you on your toes. Regardless the plants you?ll hear about on this episode are all exceptional autumnal stars that will stop garden visitors in the tracks to ask, ?What on earth is that??

Expert testimony: Matt Mattus is the author of two books: Mastering the Art of Flower Gardening and Mastering the Art of Vegetable Gardening. He gardens in Worcester, Massachusetts.

 

Danielle?s Plants

?Snow Fairy? blue mist shrub (Caryopteris divaricata 'Snow Fairy', Zones 6-9)

?Lady in Black? calico aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum ?Lady in Black?, Zones 3-8)

?Golden Angel? Japanese shrub mint (Leucosceptrum japonicum 'Golden Angel', 5-8)

Sapphire berry (Symplocos paniculata, Zones 4-8)

 

Carol?s Plants

?Chocolate? Joe Pye weed (Eupatoriam rugosum ?Chocolate?, Zones 4-8)

October daphne sedum (Sedum sieboldii, Zones 3-8)

'Black Negligee' bugbane (Actaea simplex 'Black Negligee', Zones 5-8)

?Goldtau? tufted hair grass (Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau', Zones 4-9)

 

Expert?s Plants

 ?True Blue? gentian (Gentiana makinoi x scabra ?True Blue?, Zones 4-8)

?Milk Bottles? bottle gentian  (G. andrewsii ?Milk Bottles?, Zones 4-8)

Summer gentian (G. septemfida syn. G. septemfida var. lagodechian, Zones 4-7)

Tuberose (Agave amica syn. Poloanthes tuberosa, Zones 7-11)

The Pearl?, ?Single? (notable cultivars)

Weeping golden toad lily (Tricyrtis macrantha subsp. macranthopsis, Zones 4-9)

Ohsumi toad lily (T. ohsumensis, Zones 4-9)

Asian toad lily (T. formosana, Zones 4-9)

?Samuri?, ?Autumn Glow?, ?Gilt Edge? (notable cultivars)

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta, Zones 3-9)

Sonora?, Prairie Sun?, ?Goldrush?, ?Goldilocks?, ?Cherokee Sunset?, ?Autumn Colors?, ?Chim Chiminee? (notable cultivars)

Brown-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba, Zones 4-8)

Nearly everyone can grow tropical plants outdoors during the summer months, but when the first frosts are forecasted gardeners in colder climates know there will be some tough decisions ahead. Which plants will be moved to those coveted spots by a south-facing window for winter? Is it worth the trouble to dig dahlia tubers and overwinter them, or should you just start over from scratch with newer, prettier varieties next year? Should you (once again) convince your significant other to don oven mitts, help you relocate your cherished collection of agaves indoors, and cohabitate with those dangerously spiky beauties until spring? OK, that last question might only be on Danielle?s mind, but tune in to this episode to learn about the many ways our hosts have found to get their favorite tender plants through the coldest months, and why it is worth the effort.

Expert testimony:

Chloë Bowers is a professional gardener and landscape designer based in Newtown, Connecticut.

 

Danielle?s Plants

?Escargot? rex begonia (Begonia ?Escargot', Zones 10-11)

?Cream Spike? agave (Agave 'Cream Spike', Zones 8-11)

'Snow Leopard' mangave (Mangave 'Snow Leopard', Zones 8-11)

Red Abyssinian banana (Ensete maurelii, Zones 8-10)

 

Carol?s Plants

?Oxford Blue? gentian sage (Salvia patens ?Oxford Blue?, Zones 8-10)

Variegated peperomia (Peperomia obtusifolia ?Variegata?, Zones 10-11)

?Doodlebug? dahlia (Dahlia ?Doodlebug?, Zones 8-11)

?Coffee Cups? elephant's ear (Colocasia esculenta 'Coffee cups', Zones 8-11)

 

Expert?s Plants

West Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus, Zones 9-13)

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus, Zones 7-10)

Malabar spinach (Basella alba, Zones 9b-11)

Mexican sour gherkin (Melothria scabra, Zones 9-11)

They?re tough, they?re hardy, they thrive in almost any location. So, why don?t we love them? Give this episode a listen to hear about plants that have a ton of good attributes, but just can?t bring ourselves to draw a heart around them. It?s easy to ask gardeners what plants they hate?we all have long lists of inferior perennials, trees, and shrubs that are weak or have unruly habits making them deserving of our ire. But, what about those plants that haven?t done anything to get themselves ?do not buy list?? Turns out Carol and Danielle aren?t the only ones with these complicated feelings, today?s expert has similar thoughts.

 

Expert testimony:

Andy Pulte is a faculty member of the plant sciences department at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

 

Danielle?s Plants

'Peachie's Pick' Stokes? aster (Stokesia laevis 'Peachie's Pick', Zones 5-9)

?Persian Ruby? daylily (Hemerocallis 'Persian Ruby', Zones 3-9)

Veronica (Veronica spicata and cvs., Zones 3-8)

Blue rug juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii', Zones 3-9)

 

Carol?s Plants

?Aurea? catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides, Zones 5-9)

Hostas (Hosta spp. and cvs.,  Zones 3?8)

Rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium, Zones 3-9)

Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa, Zones 3-8)

 

Expert?s Plants

Daylily (Hemerocallis spp. and cvs., Zones 3-9)

Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus and cvs., Zones 5-8)

Shasta daisy (and cvs., Zones 5-8)

We all know and love parsley, sage rosemary, and thyme. And then there?s sweet basil which is perhaps the queen of all the herbs. But what about those herbs that are just as tasty?or attractive?but don?t get the same accolades? For those unsung heroes of the herb garden, we put together this episode. You?ll hear about a deliciously spicy lemon basil, an elegant edible flower with brilliant orange blooms, and a marigold that resembles a mint. There are a mix of herbs grown for ornamental and edible purposes and some that can be put firmly in both those categories. Looking to spice up your garden with something a bit out-of-the-ordinary? Then give this latest episode a listen.  

Expert testimony:

Sue Goetz, author of A Taste for Herbs and Complete Container Herb Gardening, is a garden designer and garden coach based in Washington state.

According to NASA Earth Observatory, one-third of the United States experienced some level of drought in 2020 and 2021 was much the same. This pattern of extended dry weather is sadly becoming more and more of the norm. We recently did a feature in Fine Gardening magazine highlighting a series of drought tolerant woody plants from around the country in our regional pages and that got Carol and Danielle thinking about which trees and shrubs are their favorite water-wise selections. Listen to today?s episode for ideas on these backbone plants that won?t require much, if any, intervention from the hose.

Special guest: Amy Galloway is a horticulturist at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas.

The original title of this episode was, Big and Bold Plants for the Back of the Border. But between the length and the tongue-twister alliteration, we shorted it a bit for promotional purposes. However, on today?s program you?ll hear all about plants that really stand out in the last row of the garden choir. These perennials and shrubs are tall, yes. But they have so much more going for them than simply their towering presence. The featured plants offer a grounding and bold backdrop for your garden beds, but don?t flop all over the place. Some have excellent texture, others bodacious blooms, and a few even provide that beefiness during all four seasons. If you?re looking for something to enhance?not just fill in?the back of the border, give this episode a listen.

Special guest: Courtney Olander, landscape designer from Seattle, Washington.

When late May and June hits, we can?t help wandering out into the garden with a pair of shears in hand. Bringing fresh flowers into the house seems like a seasonal rite of passage for most gardeners (at least those that don?t have allergies). But it can be a hard to cut those precious blooms and take them away from the landscape. That?s why today we?re talking about plants (perennials, annuals, and even shrubs) that we grow specifically for their flower-power. These options provide plenty of blooms for the garden AND the vase, and that?s why they?re our favorites. We span the color spectrum as well, with recommendations for every hue imaginable. And, we even have several selections that are deliciously fragrant. If you?re looking to add some cutting garden oomph to your beds and borders, give this episode a listen.  

Special guest: Christine  Alexander, digital content editor for Fine Gardening.com

Is there anything ground covers can?t do? They are useful in problem areas like steep slopes, under trees and shrubs, and in spaces that need erosion control. They also reduce maintenance by enveloping areas that would ordinarily need a boatload of mulch to keep weeds at bay. Now, not all ground covers play nice. Some species will not only cover bare ground, but they will choke out neighboring plants. But that?s not the plants we?re talking about today. We?re focusing on ground covers that will spread out thickly, but politely, and smother out any potential weeds in the process. We discuss options for sun, shade, and even drought tolerant selections for those truly hellish spots. And in case you think we?re too East Coast centric, today?s expert calls in from California to offer up some plants that thrive in the Western half of the country.

Expert testimony: Fionuala Campion is the owner and manager of Cottage Gardens of Petaluma in Petaluma, California.

Always give a gift that you yourself would like to receive. That?s excellent advice when it comes to life-- and as gardeners, we can extend that sentiment to giving plants as gifts. Ask yourself: what plants would I like to get as a gift? We had a lot of fun on today?s episode, imagining the scenarios in which we?d give our friends, neighbors, or even strangers particular plants that would convey our feelings of happiness, sympathy, or just pure joy. Need a wedding present that?s truly unique this season? Well give a listen to our suggestion for a perfect small tree that will grow right along with the love that the couple has for one another. OK, we promise, the other suggestions aren?t nearly as sappy.  

Special guest: Scott Endres is a designer and horticulturist at Tangletown Gardens in Minneapolis.

Little kids have Christmas. Gardeners have spring. To us, this is the most wonderful time of the year. And with the start of the season, comes those inevitable trips to the nursery. In an effort to not max out their credit cards, this spring Carol and Danielle are making shopping lists of plants that they will be on the hunt for. These species are going to fill a particular need or want in their gardens, and they might do the same for you. Listen today to see what our hosts are dreaming of adding to their beds and borders.

Special guest: Kim Toscano is a horticulturalist based in Stillwater, Oklahoma. She previously hosted Oklahoma Gardening, a weekly PBS television program produced by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service.

Yes, that?s right: plants can solve problems. Maybe not problems like those noisy neighbors next door or your husband failing to replace the toilet paper roll, time and time again. But plants can solve problems like a barren patch of garden under a shallow-rooted tree, or a lack of pollinators in your yard. Today?s array of fantastic perennials are plants that can address conditional or pest problems that you may be struggling with. Need a vole-proof, pollinator magnet? We?ve got one. Need a plant that will deter teenagers from driving on your lawn? We have that too. Listen now for more plants that you?ll need to add to your list of must-haves this year.

Special guest: Sabrena Schweyer and her husband, Samuel Salsbury, own and manage Salsbury-Schweyer Inc., a sustainable landscape design and development group based in Akron, Ohio.

They?re often called the ?exclamation points? of the landscape, drawing attention in a not-so-subtle way. Of course, we?re talking about columnar (AKA fastigiate) plants and today we?re highlighting some of the best options. Skinny plants are invaluable for several reasons other than their ability to catch the eye. They also have a small footprint which makes them ideal for siting in narrow places including along the side of a house or in a tight spot between established plants in a border. Their habit is clear, concise, and always intriguing. Along with our guest, Richie Steffen from the Elizabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden, we?re discussing skinny trees, shrubs, and even a few perennials that will give your garden an instant focal point like no other.

Special guest: Richie Steffen is executive director for the Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden in Seattle, Washington.

Even though there?s still snow on the ground for many of us, warmer weather is most definitely on our brains. So today we?re going to be talking about native plants that put on a spectacular show in spring. And, although we?re a podcast based out of New England, the plants we decided to talk about have an extensive native range (even into Texas!). There is an exquisitely fragrant perennial, a self-sowing ephemeral, a delicious edible, and several trees and shrubs that bloom so prolifically in April, May, and June you?d think it was their only job. Want a list of nearly a dozen native plants that are show-stoppers? Then press play now! 

Special guest: Nancy J. Ondra is a garden photographer, author, freelance editor, and licensed seed seller who lives and gardens on four acres in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

There?s no reason to tell everyone how great ?Brandywine? tomatoes are because everyone already knows! And the same goes for ?Blue Lake? green beans or ?Hot Wax? peppers. We all know these names because they are great varieties that vegetable gardeners have relied on for decades. Yet, there are a bunch of lesser-known veggies that deserve the same praise, but their PR agents aren?t the best. On this episode Carol and Danielle are taking the time to call out some of the unsung heroes of their veggie gardens. These are varieties that have proven themselves over and over, but their names aren?t generally well-known in edible circles. We?re hoping to change that after today!

Special guest:

Steve Bellavia conducts vegetable research as a product manager for Johnny?s Selected Seeds in Winslow, Maine.

If you live in the Northeast, Mountain West, or Midwest your idea of winter interest is certainly different than say, a gardener living in the South. Those of us who live in cooler locales are often satisfied with calling any plant that sticks its head above a snowbank ?a winter stunner.? But in today?s episode we?re holding the bar a bit higher and talking about plants that really do save their best for the months of December, January, and February. We discuss shrubs that flower in winter, perennials that are evergreen, and even a few trees that every garden (regardless of geographic location) would benefit from. Our special guest is from Montana, so if she can find plants for winter interest, you know that anyone can.

Special guest:

Kielian DeWitt lives and gardens on a horse ranch in the Bitterroot Valley in Montana.

Is there a better time of year than seed-ordering season? You may shop for seeds online, or perhaps you prefer the analog version (like us) of paper catalogs. Regardless, ordering and starting seeds is an act of defiance against the winter conditions outside. Starting seeds says, ?Hey snow and ice--you don?t scare me! I know spring is right around the corner.? Today we?ll talk about the seeds that have made it into our virtual shopping carts this year and tell you a little bit about what a particular variety was deemed a must-have. Carol, being the resident seed-starting expert offers up some ornamental and edible options, while Danielle sticks to tried-and-true veggies. Joining the hosts on this episode is digital content manager for FG, Christine Alexander who has some extra insight to share after she started a slew of seeds last year to grow her own wedding flowers. What did well--and what didn?t? Tune in to find out.

Special guest:

Christine  Alexander, digital content manager for Fine Gardening.

What if you could have a garden that basically planted itself? The idea isn?t as far-fetched as you might think. Self-sowing plants are delightfully serendipitous plants that will happily disperse seed without any intervention from you. Yes, there are lots of plants out there that spread indiscriminately and obnoxiously--but those are not the ones we are discussing in this episode. Instead, we?re focusing on an array of perennials, annuals, and even edibles that will create offspring politely--filling in gaps and blank spots in your beds and borders. The English have embraced the idea of self-sowers more readily than gardeners stateside, but on today?s podcast we argue that opportunistic plants have a place in virtually every garden. Listen now to find out which self-sowers dance through our gardens (and driveways).

Expert testimony: Amanda Thomsen is a horticulturist, garden designer, and author based in suburban Chicago.

Perhaps it?s the winter season we?re in right now, or perhaps we?re just hungry, but regardless, we have berries on the mind. This episode highlights some plants that provide us with unexpected (but very appreciated) fruit. It could be a perennial that is grown for its foliage but puts on a late fall show with its berry-set. Or a shrub that is known for it?s berries--just not in a certain bubblegum color. We?ll give credit where credit is due for this topic: Andy Brand, who is our expert for this episode, pitched the idea of plants that have a secret talent of producing amazing berry displays. Did we surprise you with some of these plants? Our guess is yes. Spoiler alert: there is no such thing as a crunch berry tree, despite what Cap?n Crunch says.

Expert testimony: Andy Brand is the interim director of horticulture at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay.

Well loyal listeners, it?s hard to believe, but this is our 100th episode! We cannot thank everyone out there who has stuck with us from the early days of trying to figure out what a podcast about plants should sound like, and still downloads episodes to this day (when we?ve only figured out a bit more of what we?re doing). We?re not big on birthdays around here, but we did decide to kick off this anniversary episode with a question: If you could have 100 of any plant to give as gifts to friends and fellow gardeners, what would it be? Our answers may surprise you. Then we stick with the theme of gifts and launch into our annual holiday episode of plants that have made it onto our wish lists this year. Listen today and join the celebration.

 

Expert testimony:

Amanda Bennett is Vice President of horticulture and collections at Atlanta Botanical Garden.

 

Danielle?s Plants

100 Plant Choice: Redbud (Cercis and cvs., Zones 4-9)

'Lemon Squeeze' fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Lemon Squeeze', Zones 4-9)

'Ragin Cajun' Indian pink (Spigelia marilandica 'Ragin Cajun', Zones 5-9)

'Boom Chocolatta' geranium (Geranium pratense 'Boom Chocolatta', Zones 4-8)

Little Hottie® panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Bailpanone', Zones 3-8)

 

Carol?s Plants

100 Plant Choice: ?Raydon?s Favorite? aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium ?Radon?s Favorite?, Zones 3-8)

?Gilt Edge? toad lily (Tricyrtis formosana ?Gilt Edge?, Zones 5-8)

Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia, annual)

?Sango-kaku? Japanese maple (Acer palmatum 'Sango-kaku', Zones 5-8)

Flowering spurge (Euphorbia corollata, Zones 5-8)

 

Expert?s Plants

'Gethsemane Moonlight' hardy chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum 'Gethsemane Moonlight', Zones 5-9)

Jelly palm (Butia capitata, Zones 9-11)

Bamboo muhly (Muhlenbergia dumosa, Zones 8-11)

'Fragrant Pink' camellia (Camellia 'Fragrant Pink', Zones 8-10)

'Florida King' peach (Prunus persica ?Florida King?, Zones 6-9)

The thought of restricting most gardeners to only three of any plant might sound cruel. After all, what makes us happier than heading to the nursery to fill a shopping cart? But limiting your plant palette has many advantages. Less variety means less chaos, in many cases. And, when it comes to trees, limiting yourself to just three options may also be necessary since trees take up more space and are more expensive than a perennial. It?s for these reasons that we decided to imagine ourselves on a strict three-tree diet. In this episode we answer the question: If you could only have three trees, which ones would you choose? The answers might surprise you.

Expert testimony: Ed Gregan works for Bailey Nurseries in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Everyone likes an upgrade. Whether it?s a faster car or a more efficient cell phone, it?s hard to turn down a better version of something you already like. Plants are much the same. If you already love that gorgeous catmint that flowers all season long, what not try one that not only has all the same great attributes but also has an improved habit.  Today we?re talking about plants we have a great affinity for, but that plant breeders have made just that much better. Perhaps it?s a longer bloom time, or stronger winter hardiness, or even a different color to the foliage. Whatever the change may be, it?s an improvement that has made us fall even more in love with these classic plants.

Expert testimony: Irvin Etienne is Curator of Herbaceous Plants and Seasonal Garden Design for The Garden at Newfields in Indianapolis.

Here at Let?s Argue About Plants we?re big fans of native plants. Our gardens are filled with them and for good reason: native plants are essential to the preservation and health of the local ecology. Aside from their benefits to the environment, many native plants are built to thrive in the conditions where you live, too. Today, we?re talking about native alternatives to certain less-desirable plants. These undesirables might be invasive, or spread obnoxiously, or perhaps they are just prone to certain insects and diseases.  Instead, we?ll give you a native plant that is a far superior option.  And, don?t be fooled by our Connecticut location, we feature plants suitable for locales outside of the Northeast.

Expert testimony: Ulrich Lorimer is the director of horticulture for the Native Plant Trust in Framingham, MA.

 

Nothing says fall in the garden more than the sight of ornamental grasses pluming. It goes right along with all other things that signal the season change?the kids going back to school, pumpkin spice everything, and turning the heat on for the first time. Gardeners seem to have a love/hate relationship with ornamental grasses. They have great texture, they give life to the late-season landscape, and many are native to North America. But, some spread like noxious weeds, become invasive, or are maintenance nightmares that need frequent division. In this episode we discuss some of our favorites from this category of plants?grasses that are stunning in three seasons (if not four) and don?t require a plethora of care to look their best. We even talk about a few newbie grasses that you might not have heard of before!

Expert testimony: Paul Zammit lives and gardens in Toronto?s West End, and is a professor of horticulture at Niagara College in Southern Ontario.

Since the Let?s Argue About Plants podcast is based in New England, we know all about fall color. This time of year is a favorite for most of our staffers with the native sugar maples turning bright red and the birch trees shifting to brilliant yellow. But this episode is all about the unsung heroes of fall?plants that don?t immediately pop to mind when you think of vibrant autumnal color. And, we?re not just talking about trees. There are some select perennials (even some that bloom in fall) and a couple shrubs that no one ever seems to mention as late-season stars. Tune in to find out what underdogs made our lists.

Expert testimony: Jason Reeves is a horticulturist and curator of the University of Tennessee Gardens at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center in Jackson.

Fall is a wonderful time of year for gardeners for so many reasons. It finally cools down so you can actually weed and prune without breaking a sweat. Many of us get to experience the color change of many perennials and woodies as the temps start to drop. And, of course, this is the time of year that we get to start shopping for fall bulbs. If you are one of those people who always kicks yourself in spring for not planting enough?or any?fall bulbs, you?re not alone. This year we?re here to inspire you to get out those catalogs and computers and seek out some truly unique options. We?re celebrating a new season and the introduction of a new cohost on this episode, so join us to find out about a crocus that looks like a monarch butterfly and an iris that is bluer than any sapphire.

Expert testimony: Joseph Tychonievich, horticulturist, frequent Fine Gardening contributor, and author of, Rock Gardening:  Reimagining a Classic Style.

You know you?re a hardcore gardener when you dream about moving to the tropics--not for the beaches and tiki drinks--but because that would enable you to grow so many more cool plants. In this episode we discuss tropical plants we wish we could grow in our cooler climates, or even ones that we are looking forward to trying to grow in the future (and overwintering them like our agaves). There are some selections you?ll recognize, but there are also a couple plants we are 99% sure you?ve never heard of before. So, grab your grass skirt (and a glass of rum punch) and meet us South of the equator for this tropical themed chat.

 

Expert testimony: Jim Kincannon is a horticulturist who previously worked at the Indianapolis Museum of Art (now called Newfields) gardens.

Peas and carrots. Peanut butter and jelly. Batman and Robin. If this was Jeopardy  the correct answer would be, ?What are perfect pairings.? On this episode we?re talking about two plants that just seem to belong together. It could be that they have complimentary textures, or they bloom in unison, or perhaps their habits fit together like puzzle pieces. String a few of these perfect plant pairs together and you?re sure to get a garden that is pleasing to the eye.

Expert testimony: Amy Galloway is a horticulturist at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, in Austin, Texas.

It pretty much seems like drought is the norm these days.  No matter where you live?East Coast, West Coast, or anywhere in between?periods of no rain are commonplace. Some gardeners out there have been dealing with droughty conditions for decades while others are just starting to learn what a ?real? drought-tolerant plant is. After a record-breaking dry spell last summer (and it looks like we?re shaping up to have much of the same this year), Steve and Danielle decided to highlight some of their favorite plants for dry conditions. Some are East Coast favorites (after all, that?s where we garden) but others are West Coast stunners and there?s even a Colorado native plant that has proven itself useful in gardens around the country.

Expert testimony: Leslie Harris is the owner of LH Gardens, a firm in Charlottesville, Virginia, that designs, installs, and maintains gardens.

Right about now you might be asking yourself, ?What exactly is a workhorse plant?? In our minds it is a plant that asks little from us but delivers a whole lot to the garden. These are tough plants, capable of fitting into an array of spots and producing multiple seasons of interest. They aren?t the stars (aka focal points), and they aren?t the supporting cast (aka reliable performers). They are more like stage managers, ensuring that the garden always looks decent. We thought it was high time that these unsung garden heroes got some praise, since rarely are awards given to plants that are simply defined as ?solid.? Saddle up for a long list of perennials?and a few shrubs?you?ll be happy to have ride into your garden.

Do you ever find yourself recommending the same handful of plants to friends and neighbors? We do. These might not being the splashiest of plants, or even the ones that you?d base an entire design around. But, these are fantastic herbaceous perennials?the meat and potatoes of the garden. To make things even more interesting, we limited ourselves down to choosing just four of these go-to plants. Our choices have multiple seasons of interest, thrive under less-than-ideal conditions, and in our minds, are essential in any great garden.

 

Expert testimony: Susan Morrison is a garden designer in Concord, California.

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For those who are a little confused by this episode?s theme let us try to explain. Yes, all garden beds are built with plants. But, there are certain plants that are such solid performers that they are the perfect jumping off point for building a bed. These are not the dramatic focal points that catch everyone?s attention, nor are they the stoic bones of the garden that just play a background role. These are the perfectly chicken tenders, around which the rest of the meal comes together. Steve would?ve preferred a baked goods analogy here, but you don?t always get what you want. Looking to start a new garden and need ideas of where to start? Or, need more solid performers to round out a bed that is lacking something, but you don?t know what? These plants could help. 

 

Expert testimony: Richie Steffen is executive director of the Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden in Seattle.

Spring has long ago sprung and now that all the pruning, dividing, and mulching is done we?re ready to plant up our containers. Like many of you, we are tempted to try something new every year and sometimes end up with a plant that is worthwhile. But we always make sure to incorporate a few tried-and?true container plants. These are selections that never let us down, and if you were to show up on our doorstep tomorrow, you?d likely see them filling in our pots (just call ahead, we want to be sure to pick up a little bit before your arrival). We?ve got fillers, thrillers, and even some spillers on the list, so be sure to listen for some sure-fire options.

Expert testimony: Riz Reyes, a horticulturist and floral designer based in Seattle, Washington.

Alternate titles for this episode: Plants That Stink or Smell This Episode. Kidding aside, lovely smelling plants are a bonus that every garden deserves. We all spend so much time on making sure our gardens look good, we seldom think about how they smell. And we?re not just talking roses here people. On today?s episode we feature a plethora of perennials and even a couple of shrubs that make us think of root beer, vanilla, and all sorts of sugary confections. Steve got hungry halfway through, so please forgive the few minutes of dead air while he tracked down the nearest donut.

 

Expert testimony: Julie Lane Gay is a garden designer and former nursery owner in Vancouver, British Columbia.

It?s easy to get excited about the first tulip or even the first dandelion in the yard (OK?that might be a stretch). But what about those plants that don?t get all the love and attention, yet still brighten up those first few months of the gardening season? Today we?re honoring those unsung heroes of the spring garden?plants that need a better PR agent because they?re marvelous, but not very well-known. We?ve got a few native dark horses and even a shrub that Steve thought he?d never like. To get you really laughing we revisit some childhood memories of using spring plants in mischievous ways. Finally, we debut a new segment where we give a brief look into what?s going on (good, bad, and ugly) in our gardens right now.

 

Expert testimony: Bill Cullina is the executive director of the University of Pennsylvania?s Morris Arboretum.

Finding interesting plants for shade can be a struggle but when you add in the desire for that plant to be a woody shrub, the list narrows even more. But these structural wonders are essential in giving our shady beds and borders depth and real presence. In this episode we feature shrubs that will tolerant a range of low-light situations. Some flower beautifully in spring or winter, other save their best show for fall. Regardless, the list is robust, especially because associate editor Carol Collins joins us to highlight an impressive native plant she adores and a peony (yes, that?s right a woody tree peony counts as a shrub) that everyone will want to save their pennies to purchase.

 

Expert testimony: Andrew Bunting Vice President of Public Horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society.

 

Despite there still being snow on the ground here in the Northeast, we?re thinking spring. Yes there are daffodils and tulips to look forward to, but perhaps even more impressive is the show of spring flowering trees. It?s an incredible sight to see a woody plant that was nothing but bare brown branches a few weeks earlier, explode into a flurry of pastel blooms. Our selections today are impressive, and most are moderately sized so they are easy to include in the smallest of properties. Are you suffering from the winter doldrums still? Then give this episode a listen and you?ll soon be dreaming of more colorful days to come.

Expert testimony:

Matt Lobdell is the curator at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois.

If that title doesn?t grab you, nothing will! We?re talking all things ferns including East Coast natives, West Coast natives, selections that are from prehistoric times, and even a climbing fern. Yep?that?s right, a climbing fern! And in case all of that excitement isn?t enough for you, the entire episode is filled with 70s soft rock and disco references. Have you always wondered if Steve could imitate Barry Gibbs falsetto? Well, tune in to find out the answer. 

Expert testimony: Sue Milliken and Kelly Dodson, owners of Far Reaches Farm in Port Townsend, WA.

With so many events canceled in the last year, we sure are happy that the plant breeders still decided to unveil a healthy crop of new plants for us to drool over. Of course there were a handful of new huecheras and more phlox than we ever knew could exist, but there were also some interesting options that no one (including us) saw coming. And now, we want them all. In this episode we discuss some noteworthy candidates in every category: perennials, annuals, shrubs, and even a couple fruiting plants. What?s the one thing that could stop these plants from all landing in our shopping carts? Not enough space in the garden.

Expert testimony: Visit FineGardening.com to see Richard Hawke?s recent webinar, New Plants Showing Promise.

Asking listeners to submit questions for our annual Q & A episode is a bit like sending out party invitations (in pre-COVID) and hoping that someone shows up. Thankfully, you guys not only showed up but you brought snacks and drinks too! We got an overwhelming numbers of questions submitted for this episode, so we weren?t able to answer them all. But, we did pick out a handful to tackle to the best of our ability. We cover evergreen percentages, garden design tips, and why your water may be killing your houseplant. Even our faithful sidekick Peter got in on the action and had a few questions of his own. Whether you sent us a question that we didn?t get a chance to answer or didn?t ask a question at all, hopefully you?ll glean some insight from our answers. Or at least be amused by our best attempt to offer advice! We like to think of ourselves as the garden equivalent of Dear Abby, but sadly we?re not.

Listener audio question: Elizabeth Haller, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Truth be told, Steve and Danielle don?t grow many clematis. But, over their many, many years at Fine Gardening, they?ve researched and written a lot about this genus. In doing so, they?ve formed strong opinions about the species and cultivars that are truly top-notch. Their picks may not include the huge, in-your-face star flower-types folks first think of when they hear ?clematis.? Instead, our podcasting duo offers insight into selections that have unique habits or interesting flower colors and shapes. By the end of this episode you?ll come away wanting to try at least one of these gorgeous vines and wondering why you haven?t planted them before.

 

Expert testimony: Dan Long is the owner of Brushwood Nursery, which specializes in vines and climbers in Athens, Georgia.

What can we say about 2020 that hasn?t already been said? With all the bad that occurred, one positive for the staffers at FG was more time spent in our gardens. This enabled us to truly monitor what plants did well and which ones did not?sometimes by no fault of their own. We are ending the year by taking stock of our plant successes and failures. There were some surprises from little-known native plants that appeared to enjoy the drought this summer, while other plants that we had coveted, struggled. Steve even talks about plants that made it through an entire year (or three) in a pot, on the side of his driveway, and lived. If those selections can survive those conditions, just think how well they?d do in your garden with a little more attention! We asked Associate Editor Carol Collins to join in the reminiscing and she shares an amusing story about growing an annual she longed for, only to have uninvited garden guests spoil everything.  

It?s that time of year when we dream of all the plants we?d buy if a blank check showed up in our stockings. Some are weird, some are workhorses we never got around to purchasing, and some are brand new offerings that will only become available in 2021. Danielle brought out her infamous jingle bells to up the festiveness (much to Steve?s chagrin) and the entire conversation was filled with cheer and goodwill?well, most of it anyway. Whether you?ve been naughty or nice, these plants will surely give you a reason to celebrate the season.

Expert testimony: Joseph Tychonievich, horticulturist, frequent Fine Gardening contributor, and author of, Rock Gardening:  Reimagining a Classic Style.

Shade, generally speaking, can be dark, dreary and difficult to garden in. It?s hard enough finding a plant that requires not all that much sunlight, let alone one that has light coloring to its foliage. But these rare birds are essential to making a good shade garden truly great. Plants with white, silver, or even light green variegation brighten up the dimmest of spots and instantly get elevated to focal point status. Have you always thought your shade was lacking something? Chances are, it?s some variegation and this episode has plenty of options to pick from.

 

Expert testimony: Susan Calhoun, owner of Plantswoman Design in Bainbridge, Washington.   

Danielle was convinced that this was HER episode, considering she?s shorter than Steve. But turns out Steve had a lot of great short plants to talk about on this episode, too. The pair discusses why short plants are important to good design and exactly what dimensions qualify a plant as ?short.? The list includes some shrubs, some perennials, and plenty of options for multiple seasons of interest. After all, if you put a plant front-and-center, don?t you want it to look good for as long as possible?

 

Expert Testimony: Susan Morrison owner of Creative Exteriors Landscape Design in the East Bay region of Northern California.

The leaves are falling, the temperatures are cooling and that can only mean one thing: It?s time to talk bulbs. We?re sick of talking about the same old yellow daffodils and pink hybrid tulips though, so Steve and Danielle decided to wade into the world of rarer?or at least lesser-known?fall planted bulbs. You will hear us talk about a tulip or two on this episode, but likely not ones you?re familiar with, instead focusing on species tulips that are more likely to come back year after year?which is only one of their awesome attributes. You?ll also hear about a garlic that is grown only for its beautiful bloom and a few other bulb options that seem to be ignored by voles!  This episode proves weirder sometimes is better.

Expert testimony: Erin Presley is a horticulturist at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin.

When it comes to autumnal color in the garden, most of us probably think of leaves changing from green, to perhaps yellow, orange, or even red. This foliage show is a staple of the season in many parts of the country. Plants that actually bloom in fall get less attention, perhaps it?s because they have a hard time competing with the fiery foliage of their neighbors. On today?s show, Steve and Danielle give several plants that bloom in fall their due. This array of perennials and shrubs save their best for last, highlighting the landscape with vibrant pinks and cool blues?hues not often associated with October.

 

Expert testimony: Karen Beaty, horticulturist for the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas.